The second edition of the Osun State FA Women’s Football League is officially set to kick off in the 3rd quarter of , 2026 and expectations are already soaring.
Following the overwhelming success of its maiden edition, the league returns with renewed energy, stronger structure and greater ambition. What started as a bold initiative to provide a competitive platform for young female footballers in Osun State has quickly evolved into one of the most impactful grassroots women’s football projects in Nigeria.
The inaugural edition was nothing short of historic. It delivered high-intensity matches, passionate fan engagement and most importantly, a clear pathway for player development. In a gripping final, Igbajo Ladies edged Segun Akeju Babes 1–0 to claim the first-ever title, writing their names into the history books of the competition.
Beyond the trophy celebration, the true victory of the league was the emergence of exceptional talents.
The competition produced players who have since secured moves to NWFL Premiership clubs, proving that the league is not just about participation but about progression.
With scouts, stakeholders and football enthusiasts closely monitoring its growth, the second edition promises increased competitiveness among participating teams, improved organization and match-day experience, greater scouting presence from elite clubs and expanded opportunities for young girls across the state.
The 3rd quarter kickoff signals more than the start of another tournament. It represents the continuation of a movement dedicated to empowering the girl-child through football and creating sustainable pathways to professional careers.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain. The Osun State FA Women’s Football League is ready to raise the bar, deepen its impact and further establish itself as a true breeding ground for future stars of Nigerian women’s football.
The ripple effects extend beyond individual success stories. Young girls across Osun State now see a clear pathway: perform at the state league, earn recognition, and potentially secure a move to the NWFL Premiership.
- Kazeem Naimot – Segun Akeju Babes → Osun Babes.
One of the biggest revelations of the maiden edition, Naimot Kazeem starred for Segun Akeju Babes, who narrowly lost to Igbajo Ladies in the final.
Despite missing out on the trophy, her brilliance throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed.
She earned a move to NWFL Premiership side Osun Babes and has been impressive in the current campaign. Naimot scored Osun Babes’ lone goal in their away victory over Confluence Queens in Iyamho, a performance that earned her NWFL Premiership Performer of the Week and a place in the Team of the Week.
She has also received two nominations for Osun Babes Player of the Month and is widely regarded as one of the emerging prospects in Nigerian women’s football.
- Wuraola Olayiwola – Igbajo Ladies → Bayelsa Queens.
From state league football to joining NWFL Premiership champions Bayelsa Queens within months, Wuraola Olayiwola’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal.
At just 15 years old, she was a revelation in the Osun FA Women’s League, earning a big move to Bayelsa Queens, arguably Nigeria’s biggest women’s football club and one of the strongest on the continent.
The diminutive but highly skillful midfielder dazzled fans in Osogbo with her balance, creativity, and confidence, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi.
Even at a young age, she demonstrated maturity beyond her years, and her future looks exceptionally bright.
- Robiat “Halaand” Taofeeq – Igbajo Ladies → Osun Babes.
Nicknamed “Halaand” for her goal-scoring prowess, Robiat Taofeeq finished as the top scorer of the Osun FA Women’s Football League. She played a decisive role in Igbajo Ladies’ triumph in the competition before securing a move to Osun Babes.
She announced herself in the NWFL Premiership with a goal on her debut and has also contributed an assist. Robiat has grown into an important figure in the “Imole Queens” Premiership campaign this season.
- Kemi Adeyeye – Segun Akeju Babes → Osun Babes.
The best goalkeeper of the maiden Osun State FA Women’s Football League, Kemi Adeyeye was outstanding between the sticks. Her remarkable saves were instrumental in helping Segun Akeju Babes reach the final.
Her impressive performances earned her an immediate move to Osun Babes, where she continues to develop her game at the highest domestic level.
- Ariyo Olateju – Igbajo Ladies → Osun Babes.
Ariyo Olateju delivered crucial goals and key assists that propelled Igbajo Ladies to the league title. Her attacking contributions and consistency stood out throughout the competition.
Following the tournament, she joined Osun Babes and has since become a valuable addition to the Premiership side.
- Taiwo Ajayi – Segun Akeju Babes → Osun Babes.
A rock-solid defender and captain of her team ,during the Osun State FA Women’s Football League, Taiwo Ajayi was a defensive pillar for Segun Akeju Babes. Her composure, positioning, and synergy with the midfield were major reasons her team reached the final.
Her impressive showing earned her a move to Osun Babes, where she continues to strengthen her defensive credentials in the NWFL Premiership.
- Aminat Abiola – Igbajo Ladies → Osun Babes FC.
Aminat Abiola stood out as a diminutive yet powerful midfielder, combining technical ability with tireless work rate. She remained consistent throughout the Osun FA Women’s Football League, showcasing skill, strength, and commitment.
Her performances secured her a place with Osun Babes in the NWFL Premiership, where she is steadily growing into her role.
- Latifat Ojuade – Segun Akeju Babes → Osun Babes.
Latifat Ojuade proved to be a dangerous forward during the Osun State FA Women’s Football League.
Her attacking intelligence and eye for goal made her one of the standout forwards of the competition. Her excellence earned her a move to Osun Babes, further reinforcing the league’s role as a platform for elite progression.
- Hiqmat Abdulrasheed – Ila Orangun Babes → Moje Queens.
Hiqmat Abdulrasheed was one of the standout performers for her hometown side during the Osun FA Women’s Football League. Representing Ila Orangun Babes, she displayed consistency, confidence, and technical quality throughout the competition.
Her impressive performances earned her a move to NWFL Championship side Moje Queens, marking an important step forward in her career. Hiqmat’s journey reflects the league’s growing reputation as a platform where local talents can earn opportunities at higher levels of the game.
- Gabriel Janet – Ila Orangun Babes → Moje Queens.
Gabriel Janet established herself as a no-nonsense defender with strong composure and discipline at the back. Calm under pressure and solid in tackles, she brought stability and leadership to her team’s defensive line.
She was instrumental in helping Ila Orangun Babes secure a third-place finish in the last edition of the Osun State FA Women’s Football League.
11. Mercy Otu – Segun Akeju Babes- Ibom Angels.
A fantastic midfielder while helped her team get to the final of the Osun FA Women’s League. She was recently signed by Ibom Angels.
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Parents, schools, and communities are increasingly supportive, recognizing that women’s football is no longer a distant dream but a tangible opportunity.
The Osun FA Women’s Football League has not only discovered talents, it has changed narratives. It has proven that with the right structure, leadership, and commitment, grassroots competitions can shape national stars.
As more players rise through its ranks, one thing is certain: Osun State is building a legacy in women’s football, one young star at a time.
For the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Sola Fanawopo, the success of these players validates the association’s investment in women’s football.
“When we introduced the Osun FA Women’s Football League, our goal was clear, to create structured opportunities for young girls to showcase their talents,” Fanawopo said.
“Seeing these players move to the NWFL Premiership and even to champions like Bayelsa Queens shows that the pathway is working. This is just the beginning.”
He emphasized that the league is part of a broader strategy to strengthen grassroots development, provide exposure, and ensure Osun State becomes a powerhouse in women’s football.
According to the League Coordinator, Olayinka Olawole, the transformation did not happen by chance.
“We were intentional about creating a competitive and well-organized league,” Olawole explained. “Stakeholders were engaged from the start.
The girls were not just playing, they were being watched.”
A respected women’s football expert and administrator, Olawole highlighted that beyond talent identification, the league also instills discipline, tactical awareness, and professionalism.
“What you are seeing now is the result of structure.
These players gained confidence, match experience, and exposure.
The Osun FA Women’s League has become a bridge between grassroots football and the professional level.”
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